Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dish a standout:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Feel free to make this dish your own by substituting the heavy cream with a lighter alternative like half-and-half, or by using your favorite blend of cheeses. The flexibility of this recipe means it’s easy to adapt to your personal taste or dietary needs.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking with these easy-to-follow steps:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and place in the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the spinach and cream mixture over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the baked dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching the cheese bubble and brown in the oven. It’s a sight and scent that always brings me back to those lively family dinners in Asheville.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International